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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Mentor Technical Group

Utilities Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

Performs required tests on boiler water, circulating water, closed cooling water, etc. * Makes ... Lines up, starts, stops and secures equipment as required by the plant operator. * Knows and abides ...

Loyalty Rules

Plant Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$126K - $176K/yr

Show more Full-time An Asphalt Plant Operator is responsible for start-up and operation of hot mix ... This rol... Show more Full-time McKim & Creed has an exciting opportunity to join our Water ...

City of Raleigh, NC

Manager - Utilities

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $153K/yr

PU Water Plant Opening Date: 08/19/2026 Closing Date: 9/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Work Hours: Monday ... The position serves as the system Operator Responsible in Charge (ORC), specialist, liaison, and ...

New

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator II, Wastewater

Cary, NC

$34.93/hr

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... FO Trainee - $25.52/HR * Will be required to get either a C Well or Grade I waste water license ...

Greenscape

Water Truck Driver

Durham, NC

$15 - $17/hr

Water flowers and other plant materials * Installing flowers * Preparing flower beds * Pulling ... operating across the Triangle Region of North Carolina. Established in 1979, today we employ over ...

City of Durham

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Not only do we deliver the Best Tasting Water in the state to our customers each and every day, but ... operating regulations, policies, and procedures. parts. Performs office and operational support ...

Greenscape

Water Truck Driver

Durham, NC · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Water flowers and other plant materials * Installing flowers * Preparing flower beds * Pulling ... operating across the Triangle Region of North Carolina. Established in 1979, today we employ over ...

City of Durham, NC

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Water Management Opening Date: 03/13/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Position Description Work, Serve ... safety and operating regulations, policies, and procedures. parts. * Performs office and ...

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All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Water Plant Operator Trainee information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$29.2K

$55.8K

$90.9K

How much do water plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator trainee in Raleigh, NC is $55,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,800.00 and $64,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water plant operator trainee?

Water Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn to operate and maintain water treatment facilities. They assist experienced operators in monitoring equipment, testing water quality, and ensuring that treated water meets safety standards. Trainees typically work under supervision while they gain the knowledge and skills required to become certified water plant operators. Their responsibilities may include collecting samples, recording data, and performing basic maintenance tasks. Training often combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction, preparing them for state certification exams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water plant operator trainee?

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and the pursuit of relevant operator certification is typical for this role. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for success. These competencies ensure safe, efficient water treatment operations and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operator trainees during their initial training period?

Water Plant Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to rotating shifts, learning complex technical procedures, and understanding strict safety and regulatory requirements. They must quickly become familiar with the operation of specialized equipment and monitoring systems, as well as develop problem-solving skills to address equipment malfunctions or water quality issues. Teamwork is essential, as trainees frequently collaborate with experienced operators and maintenance staff to ensure smooth plant operations and compliance with environmental standards.

What is the difference between Water Plant Operator Trainee vs Water Plant Operator?

AspectWater Plant Operator TraineeWater Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma; some certifications may be preferredRequires relevant certifications or licenses, such as a state water operator license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, often in a water treatment plantFull responsibility for water treatment operations, maintenance, and safety
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning operational procedures, assisting with maintenance, gaining experienceOperating equipment, monitoring systems, ensuring water quality standards

The Water Plant Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Water Plant Operator is a fully qualified role responsible for managing water treatment processes independently.

How to get hired as a water plant operator trainee?

To become a water plant operator trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training or coursework, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Employers often require basic knowledge of water treatment processes, safety procedures, and may prefer candidates with some experience or certifications such as a state-issued water operator trainee license. Applying to municipal or private water treatment facilities and demonstrating a willingness to learn are key steps in securing a trainee position.

Is being a water plant operator trainee worth it?

A water plant operator trainee role provides hands-on experience in water treatment processes, often leading to certification and career advancement in the utility industry. The job typically involves working with control systems, monitoring water quality, and following safety protocols, making it a valuable entry-level position for those interested in public utilities and environmental management.

Is it hard to become a water plant operator trainee?

Becoming a water plant operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, basic technical skills, and sometimes passing a written exam. Training programs often last several months and include classroom instruction and on-the-job experience, with certifications like a state operator license usually needed for advancement.

What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,753 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Utilities Operator

Mentor Technical Group

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Mentor Technical Group (MTG) provides a comprehensive portfolio of technical support and solutions for the FDA-regulated industry. As a world leader in life science engineering and technical solutions, MTG has the knowledge and experience to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device safety and efficacy guidelines. With offices in Caguas, PR, Boston, MA & San Francisco, CA and we serve life sciences clients in six global markets: United States, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Germany, Canada, and South America.
Responsibilities:
  • Performs routine tasks relative to equipment operations as directed.
  • Assist Plant Operator in operations of plant controls as instructed.
  • Performs minor preventative maintenance of systems as designated.
  • Assists in maintaining records of equipment operations.
  • Must have ability to maintain records of activities.
  • Performs required tests on boiler water, circulating water, closed cooling water, etc.
  • Makes adjustments and adds required chemicals to maintain water systems within guidelines.
  • Maintains log of water treatment systems.
  • Keep work area clean, neat and orderly
  • Responsible for the operation of the demineralizer and associated equipment.
  • Lines up, starts, stops and secures equipment as required by the plant operator.
  • Knows and abides by all safety rules and regulations.
  • The utility operator will operate the critical and non-critical utilities equipment to assure their continuous operation on a 24/7 schedule basis.
  • Able to work extra hours, at night or on week-ends and irregular shifts.
  • Able to respond to emergency calls.
  • Able to support other departments or projects according to business needs.
  • Strictly follow company's safety and cGMP policies and procedures.
  • Any other duties as required by the supervisor to support normal operations at the department.

Qualifications Requirements/Knowledge/Education/Skills:
  • Technical College Degree in Electricity, Associate Degree preferred
  • Technical Degree in Mechanics, Electricity or Refrigeration with 1-3 years of experience required or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment:
  • He / she may frequently work inside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, exposed to wet and or humid conditions, and an odorous atmosphere, may be exposed to fumes and the risk of electrical shock, and occasionally work on ladders in high places, in small spaces, such as lift/metering stations, manholes, tanks and wet wells. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate equipments, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, talk, or hear; sit; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and smell. The employee may lift and/or move up to 25-35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mentor Technical Group es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y todos los solicitantes calificados recibirán consideración para el empleo sin importar raza, color, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género, información genética, origen nacional, estado de veterano protegido, estado de discapacidad o cualquier otro grupo protegido por ley.
Mentor Technical Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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